Happy Tuesday! Today we'll investigate a terrifying new climate threat (well, maybe), explain why a lot of people are feeling let down by Joe Biden, and then explain why fossil fuel bosses are actually feeling pretty great 😞. Let’s dive right in 👇:

Matcha's Gulp

A terrifying new climate hazard? 🧟

According to researchers, rising temperatures could expose us to a huge range of ‘zombie’ viruses currently trapped under permafrost. That obviously sounds pretty scary – but how worried do we need to be?

Thankfully, not very. The kind of virus that can survive for thousands of years in ice isn’t usually the kind that can cause a large-scale pandemic – and while some of these viruses could make the jump to humans, “if you do the risk assessment, this is very low”. Phew – there’s no need to reach for your face mask just yet!

Biden’s oil pledge goes up in smoke🛢️

During his campaign to become president, Joe Biden promised that there would be ”no more drilling on federal lands, period”. But surprise surprise: the Biden administration has just approved a huge oil drilling project on federal lands.

This is Alaska’s highly controversial ‘Willow’ project, led by the oil giant ConocoPhillips. According to climate activists, this will be one of the biggest 'carbon bombs' on American soil, with the potential to produce double the emissions that all renewable energy projects on public land would cut over the next seven years.

To try and sweeten the deal, the Biden administration has announced new restrictions on drilling other sections of the Arctic. But as one critic points out: “protecting one area of the Arctic so you can destroy another doesn’t make sense”. Oh Joe, we thought you were different.

…but some people seem pretty happy 📈

Following the previous story, it’s hard not to be a little worried by the Biden admin’s approach to the climate. But one group seems to be more optimistic: the oil and gas industry.

While fossil fuel bosses had previously been concerned about Biden’s tough climate rhetoric, it turns out that actions speak louder than words. They’ve been reassured by Biden’s ‘pragmatic’ approach to green policy – in other words, being much softer on major polluters than we (and they) expected him to be. But while this is welcome news for gas and oil chiefs, it’s not particularly great news for the planet…

News Sip

• BP recommends vote against climate activist resolution: Well, what did you expect? ⛽

• Climate Denial King Rupert Murdoch Is Hiring a Director of Sustainability: Fancy the ultimate job in greenwashing? 😬

• Hollywood’s climate adviser: Bringing a touch of green to the silver screen 🎥

• Food brands struggling to weather war and climate 'polycrisis': Everything, everywhere, all at once 😱

Today's Climate Meme